The 14th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) returns to Lagos from November 2 to 8, 2025, promising a week-long celebration of African storytelling, music and cinema.
A Theme that Speaks to the Moment
Under the banner “Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement”, this year’s festival explores the explosive intersection of film and music as two defining African cultural exports.
From the opening night premiere of Three Cold Dishes (directed by Oluseyi Asurf; starring Osas Ighodaro, Wayidi Adeleke, Wale Ojo) to panels dissecting music-driven storytelling, AFRIFF 2025 is signalling that African content is not just culturally rich, it’s commercially dynamic.
Industry Sessions, Workshops & Masterclasses
AFRIFF’s industry programme offers immersive opportunities for filmmakers, producers and creatives to level up.
Masterclasses will span topics like directing, cinematography, sound design, writing and distribution.
Panels and fireside chats will tackle key issues in African cinema financing, content commissioning, global distribution, and the digital future of film.
One of the landmark events this year is the full-day workshop and cultural dialogue titled “Humachines Making Films: Africa’s Cinematic Future, Culture & Artificial Intelligence”, set for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 10:00 am–5:00 pm at Twin Waters, Lekki.
This is the first time AFRIFF has officially devoted a major session to AI in its 14-year history.
Screenings & Market Dynamics
With over 100 films from Africa and the Diaspora expected to be screened, AFRIFF includes features, documentaries, shorts, animation and more.
The festival also launches the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM) from November 3-6, a first-of-its-kind marketplace in Nigeria for film trade bringing together filmmakers, distributors, investors, buyers and creative tech companies.
Why It Matters
AFRIFF continues to evolve from a showcase event into a full ecosystem for African content.
By combining screenings, training, industry sessions and market activity, it empowers creatives to not only tell their stories but to sell them and scale them globally.
Nigeria’s role as host within Africa’s largest film-industry environment further underscores the continent’s creative momentum.
Closing With an Award
The festival will culminate in the AFRIFF Globe Awards, honouring excellence across feature films, documentaries, animation, directing, acting and screenwriting.
This year’s awards ceremony will spotlight the best in African and Diaspora cinema, capping off a week of cinematic discovery and business-making.
With AFRIFF 2025 in full swing, creators, audiences and industry professionals alike are invited to Lagos for a week where film meets rhythm, culture meets commerce, and African storytelling takes its rightful place on the global stage.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there Comicpanel will be live at AFRIFF 2025, capturing the sights, stories, and standout moments as they unfold.
From red-carpet glitz to filmmaker interviews, we’ll bring you exclusive coverage straight from Lagos’ creative heartbeat.
For registration, masterclass info and screening schedules, visit site